DESCRIPTION: Set on 970 acres of lush, rolling hills and windswept meadows, Powell Gardens—Kansas City's botanical garden—offers breathtaking displays of intricate gardens, interesting architecture, a nature trail and a year-round calendar of special events, exhibits and classes for the entire family.
ADDRESS: 1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO 64061
LOCATION: 30 miles east of Kansas City
PHONE: 816-697-2600
WEBSITE: www.powellgardens.org
SOCIAL MEDIA:
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The 18,000-square-foot Visitor Center houses The Marketplace, Perennial Lounge, rentable classroom and event space, and a glass-topped conservatory.
- The Byron Shutz Trail System includes the one-mile Family Discovery Loop and the 3.25—mile Prairie Ridge Trail. These hikes meander through a variety of ecosystems and are perfect for adventurous groups or individuals.
- Garden Galleries feature rotating exhibits as well as Powell Gardens’ arid collection and four living walls of succulents.
- Discover the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden—this oasis includes tiered pools offering an array of aquatic plants, including the International Waterlily and Water Gardening certified lotus and waterlily collection, Sunken Garden, and stunning lakeside views.
- The David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden features a secret trail. Find it if you’re feeling adventurous!
- In the Heartland Harvest Garden, seasonal display beds allow visitors to discover new color, creativity, and plants with each visit.
- Children of all ages are invited to explore plants and nature in the two-acre Children’s Garden. A family friendly space, this special corner dedicated to children allows young gardeners to plant their own garden, walk on garden tool balance beams, explore a nearby colorful maze featuring a variety of sound elements, and play on a newly renovated playground.
- See four creations by world-renowned architect E. Fay Jones, including an inspirational nondenominational chapel.
GARDEN HOURS: Visit Powell Gardens' website for current hours of operation. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and January - February. Opens March 1 for daily admission.
GENERAL ADMISSION: Adults $15, children (5-12) $8 and seniors $12. Children 4 and under are always free. Festival admission applies for certain events.
ANNUAL ATTENDANCE: Approximately 100,000.
HISTORY: In 1948, George E. Powell, Sr., a prominent Kansas City businessman, acquired the beautiful tract of land that is now Powell Gardens. In 1969, he donated the 640-acre farm to the Kansas City Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, who used it as a regional camp until 1984. Partnering with the University of Missouri’s School of Agriculture, the Powell Family Foundation then began developing a horticultural and natural resource facility. As a part of this project, the Powell Center retained Pittsburgh-based Environmental Planning and Design, the leading U.S. consultants for botanical gardens. The firm recognized that the site would be ideal for development as a botanical garden. In 1988, official ties with the University of Missouri ended and Powell Gardens Inc., a not-for-profit organization, was established.
WHERE TO EAT: Grab and go dining options are available in The Marketplace. Look for seasonal options during festivals.
ANNUAL SPECIAL EVENTS:
- Painted Garden (late April-mid June)—Celebrate the joy, color, beauty and creativity of nature. Painted Garden features spectacular botanical displays, inventive floral design, and rotating weekend activities for the whole family.
- Fortopia (late May-early September)—This playful outdoor exhibition comprised of awe-inspiring forts invites explorers of all ages to uncover Powell Gardens.
- Festival of Butterflies (midJuly-early August)—Experience hundreds of free-flying butterflies in several indoor and outdoor displays. With a summer vacation feel, this festival follows our favorite native winged pollinators as visitors learn all about caterpillars, butterflies, moths and the plants that sustain them.
- Festival of Lights (early November-late December)—Enjoy a breath of fresh air during a hectic holiday season. Wander an outdoor walking path featuring immersive light installations that are grounded in nature and celebrate the natural joy of the holiday season.
DON’T FORGET: The Gardens’ winding paths, wooded trails and large gardens, make comfortable walking shoes a necessity for those wanting to explore.
GROUP TOURS: Powell Gardens offers a variety of group tours to help navigate the Garden’s collection. Visit Powell Gardens' website for more information.
PARKING: Parking at Powell Gardens is free during general admission. Parking fees may apply during festivals or special events.
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Email marketing@powellgardens.org or call 816-697-2600.
